Aksharabhyasam : A Scared Ritual Performed For Acquiring Knowledge
Aksharabhyasam : Also Known As Aksharabhyas or Akshararambha is a Sanskar (rite) performed when a child’s mind is considered mature enough to start learning letters and acquiring knowledge. It is also known as Aksharakarana and Vidya Rambha. Typically, this rite is performed around the age of five, although Vishwamitra extended it to the seventh year. Some people choose to perform it soon after the Chudakarma ceremony, which is the first haircut of the child.
The timing for practicing literacy is considered important. It is recommended to teach children letters during the fifth year. The months of Magha, Falguna, Chaitra, Vaisakha, and Jyeshtha, which fall in the Uttarayana period (when the sun is in the northern hemisphere), are considered auspicious for Aksharabhyas. However, it should not be done when the Sun is in Aquarius. Shukla Paksha (the waxing phase of the moon) is considered favorable, while Krishna Paksha (the waning phase of the moon) and Amavasya (the new moon) are not considered suitable. The three tithis (lunar days) before Amavasya, namely Krishna Paksha Dwadashi, Trayodashi, and Chaturdashi, should also be avoided.
Aksharabhyasam & Constellations
Certain nakshatras (constellations) and lagnas (ascendants) are considered auspicious for literacy. Nakshatras such as Ashwini, Mrigasira, Pushyami, Punarvasu, Arudra, Ashlesha, Hasta, Chitta, Swati, Moola, Shravana, and Revati, along with lagnas Aries, Cancer, Libra, Leo, and Pisces, are favorable. Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday are considered good weekdays for performing Aksharabhyas. The eighth house (Ashtama) should be pure and free from inauspicious influences.
The method of Aksharabhyas involves first worshiping deities such as Vighne Swara, Lakshmi Narayan, Saraswati, Bhudevi, one’s caste deities, Guru, and Brahmins. Then, the child is made to sit facing east, and the first letter “Om” is written, followed by the other alphabets. Finally, the Guru is saluted.
Certain occasions and festivals are considered auspicious for literacy, such as Vijayadashami, the day of Mula Nakshatra during Sharannavaratra, and Sripanchami.
Performing Aksharabhyas is believed to invoke blessings from the deities and Anu Grahas (celestial influencers) for the child’s educational development. It is a significant step when a child reaches the age of five, as they gain the ability to grasp and understand subjects and retain knowledge. The rite can be performed in the morning at home, in a temple, or in a school, in the presence of elders and teachers. In our tradition, there are Vidya deities, and it is customary to worship them and correct the letters with the student during Aksharabhyas. Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles, is considered the deity of education.
The ceremony begins with the worship of Goddess Saraswati. Vidya deities such as Dakshinamurthy, Dattatreya, and Vishwaksena are also worshiped. The student then corrects the letters while reciting “Om Namah Shivayah Sarayah Namah.” Although Goddess Saraswati is the deity associated with knowledge, Lord Shiva is considered the embodiment of
wisdom, so starting with the letters “Namashivaya” is recommended. In some places, there is a custom of writing the child’s initials on rice, symbolizing blessings for abundant sustenance. Traditional attire is often worn during the ceremony.
Some people believe that simply praying to the deities, especially in white clothes, will bring blessings to the child. Adults may recite the mantras “Om Namo Sarasvatyenamah” or “Sharada Devyai Namah” with the children, expecting special results.
Also Read : https://telugutraditions.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=733&action=edit